Gò0dNews February 2022
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
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CLEVELAND
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About Us WRITERS
Alicia Henderson Andrew Lee April Engstrom Brian Johnson Chad Van De Griek Cheryl L. Dunson Chuck Cleveland Danny Hesterly Dustin Wilds Jodi Varnado Jonathon Wright Jordan Burchette Judy Hood Karen D. Jeffery Kristen West Leah Hadder Leslie Bennett Paula Burgner Sandra Gilmore Shelly McClanahan Wayne Williams
SALES
Bud Kinches 423-650-2801 Email: bud.goodnews@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER Paula Knipp 423-310-4207
Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments,
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EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
the door for Christians to work together to grow and and effective advertising. GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and
Jodi Varnado Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
women in the community who love and serve the Lord.
PUBLISHER
Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410 Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
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Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Contents FEBRUARY 2022
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Your Latter Will Be Greater by Dustin Wilds
GoodNews for Kids
GoodNews for Everyone
30 Who Calls You Friend? by Shelly McClanahan
GoodNews for Everyone
8 Wonder
32 National Disability Day
GoodNews Money Matters
GoodNews for Everyone
by Danny Hesterly
10 All That Glitters is Not Gold by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 A Good and Perfect Gift by Chuck Cleveland
GoodNews for Women
14 Phone Call
by Leah Hadder
GoodNews for Everyone
18 Don’t Wait for
Valentine’s Day
by Jordan Burchette GoodNews for Everyone
20 Love Like No Other by Paula Burgner
GoodNews for Life
22 49 Pictures
by Kristen West
GoodNews for Everyone
24 Heart’s Desires
by April Engstrom
GoodNews Cover Story
26 Herb’s Heating and Air GoodNews for Everyone
28 Red or Blue
by Brian Johnson
by Chad Van De Griek
34 Love Endureth All Things by Karen D. Jeffery
GoodNews Business Spotlight
36 Rest Assured
6
by Alicia Henderson
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Birds of a Feather Fly Together
by Cheryl L. Dunson GoodNews for Everyone
40 What I Learned from My Porch Bench
by Sandra Gilmore GoodNews for your Taste Buds
42 Blissful Banana Bread by Jodi Varnado
26
GoodNews for Everyone
44 Coming Home
by Leslie Bennett
GoodNews for Everyone
46 Don’t Lose Heart in Ministry and Life
by Jonathon Wright GoodNews for Everyone
48 “Karina”
by Wayne Williams
GoodNews Poetry
50 God’s Light
by Judy Hood
50
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Your Latter Will Be Greater
D
by Dustin Wilds
o you know the Gideon Principle? What I call the Gideon Principle is where God takes someone who is so unassuming and that not
That is greater than Michael Jordan being cut from his high school basketball team and then going on to become the greatest basketball player ever. That is
too many people think would accomplish much, and He
greater than Colonel Sanders pitching his chicken recipe,
uses them to achieve great things. We find Gideon’s story
getting rejected 1009 times. It’s greater than Walt Disney
in Judges chapter six.
who was rejected 302 times for the financing of his
Until David killed Goliath, everyone thought he was
dream, Disney World.
a little shepherd boy. Until Moses brought Israel out of Egyptian bondage, most looked at him like he was just living the best of both worlds since he had been raised by pharaoh’s daughter. Until Gideon defeated the Midianites, most people thought he was just a little wimpy farmer. I wonder who all looked at Jesus’ disciples and thought Andrew, Peter, James, and John are just fishermen. Matthew is just a government worker. Peter is a Zealot and an anarchist. How are they going to change the world? Then what about those that looked at Jesus Himself and thought, “Isn’t that just Joseph’s son, a carpenter, what’s so special about Him?” I want to tell you people won’t remember you for how you start out. What will count and what they will remember about you is how you finish. Gideon might have started out as a wimp, but he is remembered as a mighty warrior. Jesus might have started as a baby in a manger. He went on a cross to the top of
These men, and many other men and women like
Calvary’s Hill, but He is not finished yet. He is coming
them, chose to believe that they were more than what the
back as the Kings of kings and the Lord of lords!
world said they were. When Gideon had to make a choice,
When it comes to Gideon, look how the people
he chose to believe the angel of the Lord instead of the
respond to him in Judges 8:22, “Then the men of Israel
world. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know the plans that I have
said unto Gideon, ‘Rule over us, both thou and thy son,
for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to
and thy son’s son also for thou hast delivered us from the
harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” These are
hand of Midian.’”
plans He has had for us before we were ever born.
Just a short time earlier, Gideon was the butt of jokes.
Remember that.
enemy. Now, suddenly, after Gideon hears from and follows God, the men of Israel want him to be king. You wanna talk about a turnaround?!
6 // February 2022
About The Author
He was the least of the weakest clan, hiding from the Pastor Dustin Wilds is a new author who is not new to the Gideon Principle. His enthusiasm for sharing Christ comes from knowing just how much Christ can do in a person’s life, from empty to full—and everlasting! He is pastor of Lakeview Community Church in Cleveland, TN. This article is an excerpt from his book, Gideon’s Principle. Find out more on Facebook, Dustin Wilds, author.
Gò0dNews for Kids
Wonder
1
by Danny Hesterly
00,000,000,000. This number is 100 billion. That is a
It doesn’t stop there. In Psalm 33:6, a shepherd boy
very, very large number. Think of it this way, if you
named David wrote this, “The heavens were made by the
could spend $100,000 every day for the next 2,740
Word of the Lord. All the stars were made by the breath
years, not only would you be the oldest person to have
of His mouth.” David spent a lot of time outdoors in the
ever lived, but that’s how long it would take to spend 100
pasture tending his father’s sheep. He had a lot of time to
billion dollars. Wow. If your mind isn’t blown away yet…
look up and count the stars. Did you read what he said,
get ready!
“…all the stars were made by the breath of His mouth.”
We live in the Milky Way Galaxy. When you look up
David is talking about God and how God breathes out
into the night sky, you’re actually staring straight into the
stars from His mouth. It’s a bit weird to think about, but
Milky Way. Isn’t it beautiful? Our galaxy is the home of
it shows how mighty, creative, and awesome the God we serve is. All those stars, created by God and given the sole purpose of reflecting the goodness of God. But it doesn’t stop there! Here it is. Are you ready for it? This is the big moment I’ve been waiting for this whole time. In Genesis 2:7 it says, “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.” Here we have it. God makes humans. How did He do it? Read that passage in Genesis again. Amazing, isn’t it?!
approximately 100 billion stars. Some of these stars are
God’s breath not only makes stars in the universe,
similar in size to our sun, while others are bigger and some
but that same breath gives us life. Every time you look up
much smaller. Astronomers (a fancy name for those who
in the night sky, think about who put those stars there.
study all kinds of things in space) suggest that there are
Every time you breathe in and out, think about who
200 billion galaxies in the entire universe. Let’s say each
put that breath there. God is full of life. God is full of
galaxy has the same number of stars found in the Milky
creativity and wonder. He is amazing!
Way…well that’s more stars than we can count on our how big that number is. Crazy! It’s amazing! All those stars floating in the velvet night sky. It just goes on forever.
8 // February 2022
About The Author
fingers and you’re going to need a huge calculator to see Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story. Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.
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All That Glitters is Not Gold MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
H
ow many people realized that the title of this article (a
this couple owes taxes and penalties on these retirement funds.
well-known phrase) was written by Shakespeare over
Ouch. Why is gold touted as a great investment, especially
400 years ago? (Technically, the original phrase was
as an alternative to the stock market? The theory is that it’s
“glisters” instead of “glitters,” but you get the point). Over the
“safe.” It’s tangible. You can hold it in your hands, like the
past year, you may have heard or seen numerous commercials
commercial says. You can see it, touch it, sleep with a bar of it
from the Oxford Gold Group or countless other sellers
under your pillow. Many people invest in gold “just in case”
hawking gold as “Old Faithful,” and an investment “that you
of catastrophe. But let’s look at the “Doomsday” scenario
can hold in your hands.” Even paid pitchmen like Bill O’Reilly
conjured by most anyone selling gold as an investment. One
pose the question, “How do you protect your investments and
day, in this Doomsday scenario, all the world’s stock markets
retirement accounts?” Answer: Buy gold. But let’s examine
and economies might totally collapse and go to “zero.” Money
this suggestion a bit more closely, even hold it up to some
is worthless. In this awful moment, what will supposedly
healthy scrutiny.
save you? Gold. But how exactly? Banks would be closed,
On a recent episode of my favorite podcast, “Talking Real
and governments would be inefficacious, if not collapsed into
Money,” one caller declared that the investment return on gold
anarchy. How would those gold coins and gold bars actually
over a 50-year period (1970-2020) was superior to the return of
“save” you? Who would trade food or water for gold in this
the S&P 500 index (the 500 largest U.S. company stocks). The
scenario? By this point, frankly, food, water, guns and ammo
caller claimed that gold’s total return was 45 times its 1970 price
would become the new currency. And in case of the “zombie
over that half century, compared to a return of 37 times for the
apocalypse” scenario, it’s difficult to see how gold would help.
S&P 500 index. But this statistic fails to include stock dividends
In other words, gold should be viewed as a speculative
reinvested during this fifty-year period. With dividends
play, like any commodity or cryptocurrency. “Speculative”
reinvested (and compounding exponentially), the stocks in the
means money you wouldn’t mind losing on a gamble (think
S&P 500 index had a return of 684 times, more than ten times
Blackjack or craps or roulette at the casino). An ounce of
the return of gold. Stocks have clearly been far superior long-
gold today is worth close to what it was worth during the
term investments compared to gold; in fact, when adjusted for
Roman Empire, adjusted for inflation. An ounce of gold back
inflation, gold has actually lost value since 1980 until now.
then would buy a very nice toga, and today an ounce of
Recently, a Rhode Island couple made national news
gold would also buy a nice suit of clothes ($1800). So before
headlines when they owed the IRS a tax bill of over $300,000.
loading up on gold bars or coins after hearing a doomsday
Their mistake? They invested retirement funds (IRA money
commercial, pause to consider whether an investment
and 401k money) in gold coins which they kept in a safe at
decision based on anxiety or fear is the wisest choice. “Do not
their home which is a “no-no” according to the tax code; so,
be anxious about anything” (Philippians 4:6).
10 // February 2022
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Gò0dNews for Men
A Good and Perfect Gift
W
by Chuck Cleveland
hen I asked God for a Christian wife, I
asking me, “What was it you recently prayed about?”
sensed His reply was, “What exactly do you
Could Barbara be the answer to that prayer?
want?” Somewhat encouraged, I proceeded
I was starting the book of James the next morning
to make a five-fold request. Barbara meets all five of
and I wondered if God would provide direction from
those characteristics, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
that letter. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask
In February of 1975 I had attended a singles
God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,
retreat over Valentine’s at Kay and Jack Arthur’s
and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must
Reach Out Ranch in Chattanooga. When another
believe and not doubt . . .” (James 1:5-6a). I clearly
retreat was announced for late September that year,
lacked wisdom, but I was ready to believe what God
I encouraged my fellow singles at our church in
would show me.
Atlanta to go, and many of them did. I had a responsibility at the church on Friday night that weekend, but I drove a little over 100 miles on Saturday morning to participate in the remainder of the conference. What I didn’t know was that Kay had concluded her teaching Friday night by asking those present if God wanted them to remain single, would they be willing to do so. Barbara surrendered her desire for marriage on Friday night, only to meet her future husband the next evening. I have no idea why I was sitting by myself toward the rear of the room that Saturday night. But there I was when Barbara came in, looking for a
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, from
seat. I would like to think I would have done the same
the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change
for a less attractive woman, but we’ll never know.
like shifting shadows” (James 1:17). In September
Barbara was very pretty, and I motioned there was an
1975 I took those verses as confirmation that Barbara
empty seat near me, which she hurriedly took.
was indeed the answer to my prayer for a Christian
We met during a break and had a pleasant
wife, and ten months later we married. After forty-five
conversation. We continued that talk the next day at
years together, I continually thank my loving heavenly
the conference and decided to extend our time together
Father for His good and perfect gift.
about spiritual matters turned to romance, but it certainly did, and as I drove home, I sensed the Lord
12 // February 2022
About The Author
Sunday afternoon. I don’t recall when the conversation Chuck Cleveland lives in Newnan, GA and has written for three area magazines, as well as the local newspaper. He has been a Christian for over 50 years.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Phone Call by Leah Hadder
I
was disgusted. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing
services (in person and online), sometimes we still need to
on the other side of the phone line. “What?” I said. He
be reminded that we have God’s power to overcome. We
repeated himself, “You’ll be fine. You can handle it.” I
can pass the test. Win the game. Interview for another job.
breathed in slowly and let out a huge sigh. This is not how
Pay off debt. Go on another date or accept the managerial
I imagined the conversation would conclude. I wanted the
position at work. We have the ability to keep pushing
“Poor, pitiful young lady. Life is hard. Things are terrible,
forward even when the chance for a positive outcome is
and you shouldn’t be treated this way” talk. Instead, I
slim, and at times, unforeseeable.
received encouragement and a quick pump-up line.
Now, I do relate to being extremely fearful or hesitant to put one foot in front of the other. I know what it’s like to sit in a room and think, “God, you’ll have to help me get through this.” I’ve been the one praying about a new life chapter saying, “I’m too scared, God. I can’t move.” In those seasons, one of my favorite passages to mediate on is Deuteronomy 31:8 ESV, “It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” He knows the path ahead. Wait for His leading. Trust that because He knows the way, He will lovingly guide you to victory. I remember tapping the screen to hang up the phone. That conversation was a blessing, because in the midst
I love the reference in God’s Word to seek counsel
of trouble, I possessed three things: access to Christian
(Proverbs 12:15). It’s been a joy to seek wise counsel through
counsel, the promise that the Father would walk beside
the years from several trusted friends and mentors. I’ve
me, and the spiritual courage to press on when life got
appreciated the wisdom they’ve bestowed upon me to want
tough. To this day, I have no recollection of what hardship
and do better in my Christian walk. This time though, I was
I was facing. What I do have is present hope that God will
upset. Ironically, I was upset because I knew deep down, he
take care of whatever comes my way. I stay rich, strong,
was right. In my emotionally fragile moment, I didn’t want
and wise in Him.
to accept the fact that I had a choice to be courageous or cowardly. It took me “getting out of my feels” to eventually
As D.L. Moody once said, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things. God has no poor children.”
Even though in the US we have open access to physical Bibles, Bible apps, daily devotion emails, and weekly church
14 // February 2022
About The Author
choose the former. Leah Hadder is a former internationally recognized pageant queen. Now retired from competition, she shares the Good News as a speaker, writer, and content creator for Pastor Paula White Cain’s Life Network for Women. She is a member of Living Word Church in Cleveland, TN. Contact Leah at www.leahhadder.org.
3330 Keith Street 423.458.1571 Monday - Friday: 11:00am - 6:00pm Saturday: 10:30am - 4:00pm
Lee Ann Stabler, CMN
Jennifer Lipps, CMN
Linda Foster, CMN
Cleveland Church Directory Apostolic
First Apostolic Church Of Cleveland 4859 Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (229) 343-6880
Assembly of God
Grace Assembly 1976 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-7729 The Collectives Church 3925 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 641-0193 Triune Assembly 301 Sunset Drive Cleveland, TN 37312
Baptist
Beacon Baptist Church 505 Corvin Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7056 Bellefounte Baptist Church 132 Bellfounte Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-2312 Bethel Baptist Tabernacle 3165 Buchanan Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5820 Berean Baptist Church 2355 Bucks Pocket Rd SE, Old Fort, TN 37362 (423) 478-1697 Big Spring Baptist Church 1415 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1101 Blue Springs Baptist Church 699 Blue Springs Church Rd SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0932 Candies Creek Church 294 Old Eureka Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-3731 Cedar Springs Baptist Church 723 Cedar Springs Church Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-5506 Center Point Baptist Church 1205 Lower River Rd NW Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 336-2133 Cleveland Cowboy Church 3040 Blythe Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-7936 Cloverleaf Baptist Church 2290 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3617 Clingan Ridge Baptist Church 2412 Georgetown Road, NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-3511 Church At Grace Point 2595 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 728-5050 Covenant Baptist Church 249 Calhoun Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-2653
16 // February 2022
Dalton Pike Baptist Church 3055 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7606 East Cleveland Baptist Church 1145 Arnold St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8728 Echos of Mercy Baptist Church 535 Durkee Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 715-9739 Elkmont Baptist Church 4030 Old Freewill Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4600 Emmanuel Baptist Church 1227 Powerline Dr NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Farmland Community Church 1675 Greendale Dr. SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 473-9891 First Baptist Church 1275 Stuart Road Cleveland, Tennessee 37312 (423) 709-9100 Galilee Baptist Church 665 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 496-2019 Henegar Baptist Church 7423 Mouse Creek Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 Hopewell Baptist Church 188 Old Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3763 Lebanon Baptist Church 1411 Old Parksville Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-6700 Macedonia Baptist Church 3119 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-1713 Maple Street Baptist Church 1700 Maple St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-3622 Maranatha Baptist Church 453 Blue Springs Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-8991 Michigan Avenue Baptist Church 2741 Benton Pike NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-8891 Mt Carmel Baptist Church 7619 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1620 New Friendship Baptist Church 1344 Chatata Valley Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-6007 North Cleveland Baptist Church 2815 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8524 Oak Grove Baptist Church 4452 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-9125 Old Pathway Baptist Church 224 Rymer Rd NE,
Cleveland, TN 37323 Parkway Baptist Church 185 Meadow Ln SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-5522 Philadelphia Baptist Church 910 30th St SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 Philippi Baptist Church 2325 Old Harrison Pike NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-5385 Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church 799 Inman Street East Cleveland, Tennessee 37311 (423) 476-4081 Public Church 850 17th St. NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4405 Ridgeview Baptist Church 1501 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5119 Samples Memorial Baptist Church 371 Samples Chapel Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-2329 Shenandoah Baptist Church 138 Osment Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 339-0103 Shiloh Baptist Church 357 Highway 64 Ocoee, TN 37361 (423) 338-4292 Shiloh Baptist Church 3406 Blair Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-5755 Stuart Park Baptist Church 850 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-6741 Tasso Baptist Church 164 Old Charleston Rd NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2114 Temple Baptist Church 3070 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6813 Thompson Spring Baptist Church 5660 Bates Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 790-1823 Union Baptist Church 797 Hughes Lake Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 559-1720 Valley View Baptist Church 4657 Spring Place Rd SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-7707 Washington Avenue Baptist Church 1720 Perry St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-0489 Waterville Baptist Church 4555 Dalton Pike SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 472-5582 West Cleveland Baptist Church 1959 Westland Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-8927
Westwood Baptist Church 4001 Georgetown Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-1534 White Oak Baptist Church 2043 White Oak Valley Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-2359
Catholic
St Therese Catholic Church 900 Clingan Ridge Dr NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8123
Charismatic
Cleveland Christian Fellowship 695 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-2642
Church of God
Agape Place Church of God 2611 Blue Springs Road SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-8691 Community Chapel Church of God 807 Blythe Ave SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-2143 Cornerstone Church of God 1826 SE Dalton Pike Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0006 Church of God Sanctified, Inc. 746 First Street N.E. Cleveland, TN. 37311 (423) 479-3895 East Cleveland Church of God 900 15th St NE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3389 Fellowship of Praise Church of God 931 Inman Street East Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-3121 Grace Community Church of God 4745 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312. (423) 614-0708 Heritage Fellowship Church of God 4635 South Lee Hwy McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 476-6316 International Worship Center Centro Internacional de Adoración 533 Central Ave. NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-1977 Kinser Church of God 141 Kinser Road Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-7400 Lakeview Church of God 105 Pound Street SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423)-790-5805 North Cleveland Church of God 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5513 Michigan Avenue Church of God 515 Minnis Road NE (423) 284-7573 Mt Olive Church of God 3522 Harrison Pike, Cleveland, TN 37311
(423) 479-3381 Mt View Church of God 210 Roadway Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (706) 455-3528 Pine Hill Church of God 1484 Old Alabama Rd McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 488-0939 South Cleveland Church of God 1846 Volunteer Dr SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6382 Westmore Church of God 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-3415
Church of God of Prophecy
Cleveland Spanish COGOP 2610 Grove Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-7199 Durkee Road COGOP 201 Durkee Rd. Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-4384 Keith Street Ministries COGOP 4000 Keith ST. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-2448 Peerless Road COGOP 3301 Peerless Rd. NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 303-2680 Spring Place COGOP 2530 Spring Place Rd. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6414 Union Grove COGOP 533 Union Grove Rd Charleston, TN 37310 (423) 479-5357 Wildwood COGOP 140 Wildwood Ave Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-6584
The Church of God
The Church of God Jerusalem Acres 1826 Dalton Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-1597
Community
Fellowship in Christ 1025 Beech Circle NW Cleveland TN 37312 (423) 314-2382
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church 3625 N. Ocoee Street Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6682
Episcopal
Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church 320 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311
Lutheran
First Lutheran Church 195 McIntire Ave NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-6811
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 4200 Pryor Rd N.E.
Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 503-6394
Methodist
Big Spring United Methodist 1196 Hardwick St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5242 Black Fox United Methodist 1820 Old Chattanooga Pike SW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-1908 Broad Street United Methodist 155 Central Ave NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5586 First United Methodist Church 3425 Ocoee St N, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-4504 Mount Zion UMC 7223 Germantown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 Pleasant Grove UMC 3043 Pleasant Grove Church Rd SW Cleveland, TN 37311 Red Hill United Methodist Church 527 Red Hill Valley Road SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 728-5413 South Cleveland United Methodist 1165 Church St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 507-5760 Tasso United Methodist 1106 Tasso Ln NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-4457 Trinity United Methodist Church 731 1st St SE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 614-7900 Valley Head Methodist Church 920 Mouse Creek Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-0575 Wesley Memorial Methodist 3405 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 472-9578
Pentecostal
Faith Memorial Church 910 17th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6281 First United Pentecostal Church 4095 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-9436 Full Gospel House of Prayer 1500 Wildwood Ave. Cleveland, TN Set Free Christian Fellowship 1175 King Edwards Ave. Cleveland, TN
Nazarene
Cleveland First Church Of The Nazarene 2712 Henderson Ave. Cleveland, TN 37312 423-472-7371 New Hope Church of the Nazarene 4514 Waterlevel Highway Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-3379
Non-Denominational
Benton Pike House Of Prayer 2615 Peach Orchard Hill Rd, Cleveland, TN 37323
Christian Fellowship Ctr 895 6th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-9591 Church Alive Ministries 6315 Mouse Creek Road NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-8133 Cleveland Community Chapel 1823 Forest Ridge Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 Cleveland Cornerstone Church 533 Broad St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-1775 Community Hall Church 1305 6th Street Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-2178 Crossroads Community Church 1000 South Lee Highway Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 716-2871 Dwelling Place Church International 523 Urbane Road NE Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 790-5200 Evening Light Gospel 200 20th St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 Fairhaven Ministry Center 1807 Blythe Ave. SE, Cleveland TN, 37311 Freedom Fellowship Church 3555 Blue Springs Rd, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-0654 God’s Family Fellowship 2823 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 458-4490 Graceway Chapel 221 14th St NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 728-2226 International House of Fire 1701 South Lee Hwy Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 790-0772 The Journey Church 3191 South Lee Hwy, McDonald, TN 37353 (423) 728-4100 Living By Faith Ministries 1175 King Edward Avenue Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 457-9072 Living Word Church 930 25th Street NW Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 339-3028 New Life Bible Church 155 S Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-3882 Restoration Fellowship 211 Trewhitt Dr SE, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 479-4249 Shema Israel Ministry 850 Elrod St SE Cleveland, TN 37311 423-994-8553 The Sanctuary 1203 Smith Dr. Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 478-2843 Tasso Christian Church 1135 Tasso Lane, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 479-2705
The TRIBE 1175 King Edward Avenue SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 380-8802 United Christian Church 2200 Peerless Rd NW, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 479-4277 Unity Christian Ministries 2419 Georgetown Rd NW Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 473-9338 Walker Valley Community 787 Lauderdale Memorial Hwy Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-9696
Presbyterian
Charleston Cumberland Presbyterian Church 8267 N Lee Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 336-5004 First Cumberland Presbyterian 161 2nd St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-6751 First Presbyterian Church 433 N Ocoee St, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-5584 Flint Springs Cumberland Presbyterian Church 515 Flint Springs Rd Cleveland TN. 37323 (423) 284-6397 Prospect United Cumberland Presbyterian Church 310 New Murraytown Rd. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 476-6181 St James Cumberland Presbyterian 151 Short St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 472-5762 Trinity Presbyterian PCA 1780 Stuart Rd. NE, Cleveland, TN 37312 (423) 559-9595
Seventh Day Adventist
Bowman Hills Adventist 300 Westview Dr NE Cleveland, TN 37312 Cleveland Fellowship Church 211 Trewhitt Drive Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 400-7054 East Cleveland Seventh-Day 801 Howard Circle SE Cleveland, TN 37311 (423) 476-9299 Ladd Springs Seventh-Day 5860 Bates Pike SE Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-1889
Zion Assembly
Zion Assembly Church of God 5512 Waterlevel Hwy, Cleveland, TN 37323 (423) 476-3337
List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 478-6484
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Don’t Wait for Valentine’s Day
A
by Jordan Burchette
s I glanced out the large glass window, I
of sacrificially loving each other every day. When you
noticed that traffic was bumper-to-bumper at
get married, you assume you have an entire lifetime to
the stoplight. My Apple watch confirmed my
spend with your spouse. You are unaware that cancer,
suspicions that it was five o’clock in the evening, which
loss, or stressful seasons are lurking just ahead in the
meant I only had three hours left to spend with my
bend in the road.
husband. My evening routine for the past few days had
1 Corinthians 13:6-8 KJV says, regarding charity, “...
looked the same. I would get dressed and put a little
rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all
makeup on to drive the forty minutes to the hospital. I
things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all
would arrive around four and leave at the end of visiting
things. Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies,
hours, eight o’clock, or a little later, depending on what
they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease;
nurse was working that day. A few of the wonderful
whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”
nurses let me stay a little longer than I was supposed to stay, and I am forever grateful for their kindness towards me. As I rode the elevator up to the second floor every evening at four o’clock sharp, I kept asking myself the same question. “How did we get here?” I felt like I was living in someone else’s world, and I couldn’t escape the painful reality of it happening to us. The elevator door would slide open, and I would enter the second door on the right, where my husband quietly lay in his hospital bed. My husband had been battling stage 1 Testicular cancer for about a month when a Chemoinduced mouth infection landed him in the hospital for a week. He endured a stressful week in the hospital full of
As we approach Valentine’s Day, I want to encourage you to love your spouse fervently every day. Don’t wait
excruciating pain and injections that boosted his immune
for a special occasion to show them how much they mean
system just enough to have an emergency tooth removal
to you. Spend Valentine’s Day, Tuesday evenings, and
surgery. The surgery went well, and immediately the
every second of your life loving them wholeheartedly.
infection began to clear up. He was discharged the same day
When we reach the end of our lives, I hope we will
he had surgery, and I cried happy tears driving him home.
be able to confidently say we fully loved our spouses
Our marriage was never the same after that season of our life.
without any reservation or regret.
We are thankful to God that my husband celebrated That challenging time of our life not only put our marriage to the test but reminded us of the importance
18 // February 2022
About The Author
one-year cancer-free last Fall and continues to do well.
Jordan Burchette writes stories to encourage, inspire, and challenge others. When she isn’t writing, she is running her small business, enjoying time with her family, and drinking coffee. You can follow her blog at www.thewordsofjordannoel.com.
Church Activities & Events Christ Prince of Peace Retreat Center Pray Without Ceasing: A Young Adult Retreat
Saturday, February 5 - Sunday, February 6 250 Locke Ln, Benton, TN
Antioch Baptist Church Meadow Lane
Sunday, February 13 | 11AM 627 Lillard Rd, Benton, TN
Westmore Church of God Dreamer The Diary of Joseph
Friday, February 18 - Sunday, February 20 2440 Legacy Pkwy NW, Cleveland, TN
Lee University’s Vest Building Jason Crabb
Thursday, February 24 | 10:45AM 1053 Church St NE, Cleveland, TN
Contact Me Today!
John Schenk 423.902.2274
john.schenk@att.com
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Love Like No Other
H
by Paula Burgner
ave you ever noticed when you pray, cry,
strong and keep our face toward the sun, and
kiss or dream that you close your eyes?
the shadows will stay behind us. In life, we often
We do this because the most beautiful
overlook those who know all about us and yet
things in life are not seen but they are felt in the
they still love us.
heart. Often, we are searching on the outside for
To love ourself is the beginning of a life-long
something that we already have inside—we just
romance that will be carried on by others. So, in
have to be willing to
life do everything with
accept it.
a loving heart and mind. Just as the Bible
The relationship that we have with
tells us in 1 John 4:19,
ourself and the
“We love because He
way that we treat
first loved us.” God’s
ourself will set
love is the greatest
the tone for every
love that we could ever
other relationship
accept in this lifetime. Sometimes, the
that we have in this life. We have
aspect of love may
to love ourself as if
change but never
we were standing
the essence of love.
in the middle
In marriage, love is
of a field with a
the reason, lifelong
rainbow that has
friendship is the gift,
gold at both ends.
kindness is the cause,
Sometimes in life we accept the love that we think
and till death do us part is the length. Just always
we deserve. When you learn to love someone, it is
remember that above all else you must guard
not by finding the perfect person but by seeing an
your heart, for everything that you do flows
imperfect person perfectly.
from it. Make this life worth living and love each
Sometimes, we search for love in every place
day as if it were your last. Always remember
and never seem to find it, yet it has always been
as the Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Do
right in front of us. The greatest test in life is
everything in love.”
often applies to love. When we get our hearts broken, we feel so fragile, however we must stay
20 // February 2022
About The Author
not falling, but rising every time we fall. This Paula Burgner is a very strong willed, outgoing, girl who loves working out, and she believes in her heart that you are capable of doing anything that you put your mind to.
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Gò0dNews for Life
49 Pictures
H
by Kristen West
ow do you consolidate a person’s life into a mere
There was a story attached to every photograph. It was
49 pictures? That’s the question I was asking
painfully difficult trying to whittle down hundreds of
myself a year ago after my mother passed from
images to just a few that best portrayed her life.
this life into eternity.
In the end, we wound up with 49 pictures that we felt
My dad, brother, and I had flipped through an
best summed up my mom. But in reality, she was so much
assortment of old photo albums in an effort to find the
more than those images could aptly convey. Aren’t we all?
perfect pictures that told the story of my mother’s seventy-
How can any of us feasibly condense our lives or anyone
five years’ worth of life that
else’s into a few photographic prints?
could be used in
Obviously, we can’t.
a video montage
From birth to death,
for her funeral.
the breadth and depth
We spent hours
of our lives are walked
looking at images
out in the accumulated
of my mom as
seconds and minutes
a young child, a
that make up the time we
graduate, a bride,
have been gifted on this
a new mom, a
earth. Ephesians 5:16
teacher, a quilter,
exhorts us to, “…make
and a grandmother—
the most of our time…”
to name just a few.
Pictures can only
“There is an occasion
capture moments.
for everything, and a time
They’re not
for every activity under
comprehensive of
heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1,
one’s life. Only God holds that ability—
HCSB). That verse had never been as
the ability to see our lives from beginning to end—and He
meaningful to me until I sat there surrounded by hundreds
encourages us to make the most of it.
of pictures that testified to this Biblical truth. “…a time to give birth and a time to die…a time to weep
Robin Williams’ character John Keating in the classic film Dead Poet’s Society spoke to the very heart of this
and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a
when he said, “Carpe diem! Seize the day…make your
time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing…a time to
lives extraordinary!”
tear and a time to sew; a time to love and a time to hate; a
How will you make your life extraordinary today?
time for war and a time for peace.” (vs. 2-8). Each smile, event or activity had been meaningful to her.
22 // February 2022
About The Author
Each picture revealed a “time to” moment in her life.
Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Heart’s Desires
W
by April Engstrom
hat do storms and love have to do with one
But God did not forget His promise, and He remembers
another, and how is God involved? It seems
those promises He made to you too. That’s the beautiful
like the month of February is full of both. This
thing about the Bible, its promises are there for each and
is my story of how, in the middle of the storms of life, God
every one of us. When we take the time to delight in the
fulfilled the desires of my heart.
Lord, when He becomes our first love, and when we draw
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the
near to Him with our whole heart, He is faithful!
desires of your heart” (Psalm 37:4, ESV). We all long to have our prayers answered, for our lives to bring good things, and to be blessed. We cling to the promises of the Bible as to a lifeline holding us up when the waters get treacherous and the storms of life threaten us. They are promises of hope, promises that yes, our God cares about the little things our hearts long after. Through life, the longing of our hearts ebb and flow to fit where we are. This is such a deep part of the blessing of this verse that can be missed. It’s not that God isn’t fulfilling them, but He often uses where we are in life to show us what His heart desires for us in that season. When I was young, my number one heart desire was for a husband. I prayed, begged, and pleaded with God all through my teens for Him to show me my husband. Then at sixteen, it suddenly felt like
My story didn’t end there, and it still continues. In the
it would be impossible. Have you ever faced a storm so big
midst of the pain, God brought me a husband who was
that it felt like all your dreams were fading before your eyes
willing to take on my life sentence and the limitations it
and the desire of your heart was slipping away? Of course,
brought. God gave me seven beautiful years of full healing
you have, we all have. That’s the hard thing about faith, we
and remission, during which time we traveled the world for
have to keep clinging to promises even when we can’t see a
Jesus and had two beautiful boys. He conquered pain and
way out.
suffering brought us life.
At sixteen, this storm for me was the sudden onset
I pray as you go through this year that you will find as
of extreme full-body nerve pain—what would later be
you cling to God our Father, and delight yourself in Him,
diagnosed as fibromyalgia. Life stopped. And then, in the
that He will fulfill your life and you will see how He has
pain-stricken dark nights, it started again. I had to re-
given you the desires of your heart.
find my identity. All of a sudden, health was even more those even be possible when I was looking at a life sentence of chronic pain?
24 // February 2022
About The Author
important than a future spouse and children. How would
April Engstrom resides in Bradley County with her husband and two boys. She loves her family at the Church at Grace Point and exploring God’s creation.
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S
Herb’s Heating and Air ince 1996, Herb’s Heating and Air has been
you aren’t cooling an empty house. Preventative
keeping HVAC systems running and saving
maintenance will also help cut down on some of the
people money along the way. Darren Fansler,
monthly expenses. For example, grass and dust will
the General Manager, learned the trade from his
gradually clog up the outdoor coils on your AC unit,
father, who spent forty-five years in the heating
which will force the motor to use more energy for the
and air industry. Fansler has been with Herb’s
same amount of work. That means a higher electric
Heating and Air since it opened, and he and his
bill. Cleaning the coils on the unit twice a year will
team contain decades of knowledge they are willing
help eliminate a lot of those issues. In the summer,
to use to fix any problem you might have. “Our
when the temperature gets hot, capacitors can start
years of experience are combined with techs and
failing in the unit, which will cause it to shut down
employees who all have a pretty vast knowledge as
at the worst possible time. Once again, preventative
far as installation and repair work,” said Fansler.
maintenance can catch a bad capacitor before it
“Knowledge can save a lot of money.”
becomes a major problem.
Fansler estimates that the average homeowner
A technician from Herb’s Heating and Air will
could save $40-50 every month on their energy bill by
complete a thorough 18-point checklist to ensure your
being more intentional about their HVAC habits! In the
HVAC is running right for just $125. That’s the outdoor
warmer months, he suggests setting your thermostat
unit and the heater as well, so you won’t have to worry
higher than normal when you’re not at home so that
about an early cold snap in the fall either! They will
26 // February 2022
right professionals to keep costs as low as possible. “The people we use have lots of experience, and they’re able to install equipment quicker than others,” said Fansler. “That cuts down on labor time on install, and because we stick with one brand, we get special pricing, which gives us more of a discount and allows us to offer it cheaper than other companies.” If your HVAC system is 10-plus years old, it’s a good idea to start planning to replace it soon. Even the factories recommend replacing the whole thing instead of a repair because the government is phasing out the old refrigerant anyway, and it’s better to get a new system running than to continue patching up the same old unit time and time again. Fansler would like to give a big “Thank you!” to all his current customers. “Thank you for allowing us to take care of your comfort needs! For some, we’ve been doing service for over thirty years, and we wouldn’t be able to take care of our families and our employees conduct visual inspections over all the electrical work and wiring in the units and check all the refrigerant to make sure the pressure is where it should be. They can also tell you if your filter needs changing. According to Fansler, “If people don’t change their filters, they get clogged up, which causes the unit to trip out, and they won’t run. Check them every three months, and if you have animals, definitely check them monthly.” Even something as simple as an air filter can be costing you money!
and their families if it weren’t for [our customers] trusting us with their comfort needs.” Herb’s Heating and Air services all of Cleveland and Polk County, as far south as Ooltewah, and as far north as Athens. You can call their office number at (423)-479-5183, contact them through Facebook messenger, or go to their website, herbshvac.com, for more information. They offer free quotes, and they’ll make sure you’re taken care of. Call Herb’s Heating and Air and let the professionals take care of you.
If your HVAC is already having problems or getting up there in years, Herb’s Heating and Air will install a new one for you as well! They primarily install Tempstar by Carrier, although they work on all kinds of systems. “Our brand is a local supply house that sells that brand, and if there is repair or warranty work, the parts are local and don’t cost anything on shipping,” said Fansler. Also, buying local helps support the Cleveland community! Replacing your HVAC is a huge project that can cost a lot. Fortunately, Fansler and his team are the
goodnewscm.com // 27
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Red or Blue
S
by Brian Johnson
o, how do you feel about politics? I know, horrible
turneth it withersoever he will.” So, whichever direction the
subject to bring up but I’d like to talk about it.
country is going, God is the one steering.
I’ve found a lot of people are frustrated with our
“…the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus King of
politicians. They’re taking our rights
Persia” to rebuild the temple in
away, they’re involved too much,
Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1). Kings Artaxerxes
they’re not involved enough. Even
and Darius were also involved
Christians are on both sides of the
in that rebuild. Artaxerxes also
spectrum. How about we discuss this
allowed Nehemiah to rebuild the
from a biblical perspective.
walls of Jerusalem. All of them were
First, we should be respectful of
Kings of Persia, not Israel or Judah.
whomever is in power. Romans 13:1
Nebuchadnezzar was responsible
says, “Let every soul be subject unto
for the exile of the children of Israel
the higher powers. For there is no
to Babylon, but God refers to him as
power but of God: the powers that be
his servant three times in the book of
are ordained of God.” Nero was in
Jeremiah. We can’t allow society to
power in Rome when Paul wrote this,
determine whether God’s will is being
and I don’t think anyone in America
done through those in power. Good or
compares to the evil that was Nero.
bad, God is still in control.
If Paul can write that about him, then
Let that be comforting to you. I
surely, we can recognize that the
know our leaders can be frustrating
powers here and now are ordained of
but the direction we’re going is the
God, and they should be respected.
direction God is allowing. We’re in the
I Timothy 2:1 lists several types of
last days and the Bible says that they’d
prayer and says we should pray “for
be like the days of Noah where “…
all men.” Verse 2 gets more specific,
every imagination of the thoughts of his
“For kings, and for all that are in
heart was only evil continually” (Gen.
authority…” So, we should be praying
6:5 “his” is speaking of the people, not
for those that are in power as well.
Noah), so we shouldn’t be surprised.
A far cry from speaking badly about
Instead of living in frustration,
them because they aren’t running
recognize that our time is short, and
things exactly how we’d like.
we should focus on winning people to
I believe our expectations are
Christ. When we fight amongst each
mixed up. We assume if America
other it doesn’t bring people towards
is going away from God, we’ve got
Christ, it pushes them away.
individual out of power that’s causing it, but we forget that God is always in control. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he
28 // February 2022
About The Author
to do everything we can to get that Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Who Calls You Friend?
O
by Shelly McClanahan
ne of my favorite memories from my time as
Many times, in the Bible, we’re urged to come to the
an English as a second language (ESL) teacher
aid of foreigners in our land (Deuteronomy 10:19, Matthew
is from when I taught first grade. On the
25:40, Romans 12:13). There are many ways to do this:
playground, two little boys approached the bench where
● Volunteer in a local adult ESL class. Maybe your
the teachers sat. One was a first generation American-born
church has one. If you don’t feel comfortable teaching,
boy of Asian descent who was fluent in English, the other a
you could help with childcare or provide snacks.
recent immigrant from South America who had just learned to say hello. With a big grin beneath his round glasses, the Asian student proclaimed “We’re best friends! I don’t know what he’s saying, but we’re best friends!” Then they ran off to play. We sometimes steer clear of those who are different from us. Fear may keep us from building relationships. We’re not sure what to say, or if we’ll be understood. Other times, it’s the busyness of life that keeps us from knowing our neighbors. Taking care of our own needs and the needs of our family can be time consuming. But God made us to be in relationship with others, not only to glorify Him and make Him known, but also for our own good. We see examples of this in the Bible. The good Samaritan is just one example of showing friendship to those who are different from you. Perhaps the most
● Get to know a neighbor or coworker who is new to your area. Invite them to your church, or for a meal in your home. ● Be open to learning about other cultures. Attend
amazing friendship of all is between us and Jesus. Yes,
events that highlight the different cultures in your
He calls us friends! In John 15:15, Jesus says “I no longer
area. Be aware of who lives around you, and what
call you servants, because a servant does not know his
specific needs they might have.
master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for
It is our privilege to get to know our neighbors who
everything that I learned from my Father I have made
have different life experiences and perspectives from our
known to you” (NIV).
own. God can and does orchestrate encounters for us to
Who could be more different than the omniscient God
show friendship. Let’s be ready for them.
of the universe and us—flawed, sinful beings, blatantly an effort to know us. Jesus shows us the perfect example of befriending those who are different from us.
30 // February 2022
About The Author
opposed to Him at times. And yet He still makes more than
Shelly McClanahan has worked as both an ESL teacher and ESL Program Coordinator in public schools in the United States and in international schools in Albania, South Korea, and England. She has also taught adult ESL in church programs in Tennessee and Georgia. She currently teaches middle school ESL near Nashville.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
National Disability Day by Chad Van De Griek
I
t was late November and I get a text from my Senior
that I wanted to discuss today, I found myself continuing
Pastor asking if I would be willing to write something
to come back to a very simple, yet foundational idea. “But
for our church. I was asked to write something for
the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
National Disability Day and share some thoughts and
goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such
feelings revolving around living with a disability and how
things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV).
the church plays a role in that. After reaching out to others
When encountering people with various types of
with disabilities, family members of those with disabilities,
disabilities, I think that it is absolutely paramount to
and internally processing, I realized that this was a lot more
make sure that we keep the basic principles found in
difficult to put to technological paper than I had initially
these two verses at the forefront of our minds and hearts. We need to have patience as we strive to view situations from the perspective of those who have different abilities than we do. We need to have love, kindness, and goodness as we remember that those with disabilities and their families are more than simply an opportunity to serve—they are a needed and valued part of our congregation. And we need to have gentleness as we understand that there are people in our churches that are living with disabilities that are not easily seen on the surface. My hope is that, as a Church, we remember that each human being that we interact with is made in the Image of God, and their ability
thought. But, after finally getting everything written down, I
level doesn’t change that. Speaking for myself, having
was incredibly proud of the final product. I wanted to share
a disability can sometimes leave me feeling extremely
that final product today!
isolated, but I believe that is where the Body of Christ
National Disability Day is an awesome opportunity to
can step in and show a deep, genuine love for who I am
engage in conversations that revolve around living with
holistically. I have a disability, and that shouldn’t be
various types of disabilities. I wanted to take some time,
overlooked, but I am also much more than that and have
as a Church, to do just that. Of course, I can’t speak for
so much to offer. My prayer is that we are a community
everyone who has a disability, but I did want to share a
of believers that is able and willing to be gracious, kind,
few thoughts and experiences as a means to encourage and
patient, and gentle, even if that means having to make
challenge all of us.
accommodations or adjustments. Because, honestly, that is
There are a lot of incredibly valid thoughts and ideas
what love does. That is what Jesus does.
However, as I began to think and talk through everything
32 // February 2022
About The Author
that I could bring up in a conversation like this one. Chad Van De Griek lives in Nashville, TN! He loves Jesus, hockey (Go Preds), and is a big Bible nerd. Chad was born with Cerebral Palsy and is very passionate about using his writing as a way to show God’s love to everyone! You can find more of his writing at chadvandegriek.wordpress.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Love Endureth All Things
T
by Karen D. Jeffery
he Bible instructs us to love each other in a way
Sometimes, love bears pain from a safe and legal
that does not envy or boast, that is not arrogant
distance, but true Godly love does not quit when
or rude. A love that does not insist on its own
others become annoying or difficult to deal with. Does
way, is not irritable or resentful, and does not rejoice at
this make love gullible? Of course not, the choice to
wrongdoings but rejoices with the truth. We read this
believe those who may be deceiving us removes the
in the verse below:
burden to catch others in the act of lying and projects
“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things” (1 Corinthians 13:7). John 3:16 is a very familiar verse: “For God so
onto them the respect they may or may not deserve. The one who is loved carries the burden to be truthful or to be held accountable to God, rather than to us. Love runs deep for
loved the world, that
victory in others, for
He gave His only begotten Son, that
good to win, and for
whosoever believeth
the truth to come
in Him should not
out. In the Bible,
perish, but have
hope is more than
everlasting life.”
just a wish, it is a confidence that God
His love is
will do as He says.
everlasting. He cannot and will not fail you. Sometimes, He may give
Paul began his letter by saying to the Corinthians
an answer that is yes, no,
that Christ will sustain
maybe, or not right now.
you to the end, guiltless in
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity
the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. “His confident hope for them was one
vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
evidence of His love for them”
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh
(1 Corinthians 1:8).
not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5). That love is not limited by what is reasonable or
We, as Christians, face hard times. Those who choose to love as Jesus does do not stop loving when life becomes difficult, but He definitely makes
by what other people would be willing to put up with.
the path easier to walk. Love for God and others
This does not mean that someone should allow him
endures through tough days and long nights. Always
or herself to continually be wounded physically or
remember, love is patient and love is kind.
can often happen.
34 // February 2022
About The Author
otherwise by other believers or family members, which
Karen D. Jeffery lives in Chatsworth, Georgia, and loves the Lord. He is first in her life.
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Gò0dNews Business Spotlight
Rest Assured
R
by Alicia Henderson
eggie White, a Chattanooga native, Tennessee Volunteer,
Rest Assured offers completely free in-office consultations.
and NFL Hall of Fame inductee died on December 26,
To determine the optimum device for each individual, we review
2004, at the age of forty-three. How did the “Minister of
sleep tests and medical history, perform a short oral evaluation, and
Defense,” a gifted athlete and young man, pass away so quickly?
listen to the patient’s preferences. After that, an impression of the
White died of cardiac arrhythmia, with sleep apnea being the
patient’s teeth and bite is obtained and submitted to the lab, where
underlying cause. His wife, Sara, later revealed that his CPAP
a device is custom milled to match the patient’s specific needs.
machine was unused next to the bed. Reggie White, though, is
Successful sleep apnea treatment necessitates an
not alone. Thirty-four percent of patients with obstructive sleep
individualized strategy, which we endeavor to give every patient.
apnea are unable to tolerate CPAP treatment, and many give up
Most health insurance programs, including Medicare, cover these
because they are unaware of other choices, such as oral appliance
devices as medical equipment. However, deductibles, copay and
therapy. Dr. Drew Shabo, DDS, has also lost two young and, by all
coinsurance, and terms of your plan will vary. Rest Assured strives
accounts, healthy friends to sleep apnea that went undiagnosed.
to optimize insurance reimbursement while minimizing out-of-
“Those deaths were such a shock, and I was surprised to learn that
pocket expenses. We offer a considerable self-pay/cash discount,
so many young and seemingly healthy people were dying from an
special rates through CareCredit, and in-house financing to make
easily treatable condition!” says Dr. Shabo. Rest Assured was born
this treatment affordable to as many people as possible.
in January 2020 in Cleveland, TN, after a voyage of research into
Reggie White’s football career, during which he set records
alternative treatments for sleep apnea. Rest Assured solely offers
and garnered several awards and accolades, is difficult to forget.
oral appliance therapy to treat snoring and sleep apnea.
His charitable efforts, as well as his devotion to his faith, family,
Undiagnosed sleep apnea affects one out of every five adults.
and community, will be remembered. Regrettably, his untimely
We often disregard the symptoms as natural side effects of stress or
death will now be a part of his legacy as well. Sara White formed
aging due to today’s lifestyles, which are not favorable to excellent
the Reggie White Sleep Disorders Research and Education
sleep. Fatigue or excessive drowsiness is the most prevalent
Foundation in 2006 to support research, improve education, and
symptom of sleep apnea in adults. Snoring is another sign. Other
distribute CPAP equipment to those who would not otherwise
typical OSA symptoms include coughing or gasping, dry mouth,
have access to it.
difficulty falling or staying asleep, morning headache, and mood,
Allow more years with your children and grandkids, as well
memory, or concentration problems. Sleep apnea raises the risk
as the vitality to enjoy them, to be your legacy. Let it be fewer pills
of heart attack and stroke. Blood pressure and blood sugar levels
and medical appointments since your blood pressure is finally
rise as a result. It also causes weight gain and/or trouble reducing
under control. Let it be shedding those final twenty pounds before
weight by slowing the metabolism. Most importantly, apnea has an
summer so you can get out on the water with confidence. Allow
impact on quality of life. Speak to your doctor if any of these signs
Rest Assured to assist you. Give us a call at 423-790-0123 at any
and symptoms sound familiar. Sleep apnea testing is now available
time, and we’ll walk you through the simple process. A good
in the comfort of your home. If you don’t have a physician, Rest
night’s sleep is the foundation of every good day.
Assured has teamed with SleepTest.com to provide patients with telemedicine consultations with board-certified sleep experts as well as home sleep testing. The gold standard for sleep apnea treatment is continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), which is typically first-line treatment. If you are using CPAP every night and getting good results, stick with it. “However, if you are unable to use CPAP and have not sought treatment for your sleep apnea, please, please, please contact us. It might save your life,” said Dr. Shabo.
36 // February 2022
Erik Gardner – CEO of Volunteer Rid A Pest LLC announces another acquisition. “We are proud to announce that on October 1st, 2021 Volunteer Rid A Pest has officially merged with Pestaway Corportion and will begin overseeing the day-to-day operation of the business” stated Gardner. Pestaway founders and owners, Troy and Jeanette Donaldson have experienced health issues and are unable to carry on the operation of the business. Their daughter and son, Joyce and Eddie are retiring to care for their elderly parents. “Our company has taken over the day-to-day operation of the business and will make certain to serve our new Pestaway customers well!” said Gardner. “This merger gives our company a stronger reach into McMinn County and solidifies our company as the dominant player in the Athens/McMinn County market!” added Gardner. Volunteer Rid A Pest has been serving Bradley, Hamilton, Meigs, Polk and McMinn counties since 1970. They are a full-service company offering termite control, pest control, moisture control, rodent control, crawl space encapsulation, floor repair, mosquito control and lawn treatments. For more information please call 423-462-2865 or visit their website at www.volpest.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Birds of a Feather Fly Together
I
by Cheryl L. Dunson
f you’re an avid bird watcher like me, then you’re
energy supply of birdseed is essential to provide the
likely to be constantly amazed at God’s beautiful
energy our backyard birds need to survive the long-
handiwork. I can stand for hours in front of my
lasting, extreme cold in February.
kitchen window, looking at the colorful hues of our feathered friends feasting from our bird feeders. Just the other day, our front yard was filled with
The Bible contains many references to birds. In the book of Genesis, we read, “…. Then God said, ‘Let the waters swarm with fish and other life. Let the skies
dozens of male American robins competing for a
be filled with birds of every kind...’” (1:20). In the
spot on the feeders. We have two woodpeckers who
book of Psalms, the unknown author writes, “…The birds of the air nest by the waters; they sing among the branches…” (104:12). And, in the book of Job, we read, “…But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air and they will tell you…. Which of all these does not know in the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind...” (12:7-10). One of my favorite Bible verses was given to me by Ms. Anita and references a bird. I valued it so much, I laminated it and, to
frequent our feeders regularly. Their red-crested
this day, carry it with me in my daily journal: “…I’m
heads send me an immediate signal that they’ve
sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore,
arrived. I keep the National Audubon Field Guide to
be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves…”
North American Birds within hands reach in case I
(Matthew 10:16).
spot a bird I’ve never seen before. February is National Bird Feeding Month and,
I understand bird watching isn’t for everyone, but I guarantee if you purchase a feeder and some bird feed,
rumor has it, if you feed them, they will come! Mid-
your backyard birds will entertain and reward you.
winter is a tough time for backyard birds. Snow often
Hang the feeder in a strategic location where it can
covers their food sources while, at the same time,
easily be seen from the comfort of your chair or sofa,
food supplies are dwindling. A reliable, high-
and be mesmerized by God’s wonderful handiwork!
38 // February 2022
YOUR HEARING IS OUR PRIORITY
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
What I Learned from My Porch Bench
W
by Sandra Gilmore
hen a curved plank caught my eye, I thought
the bottom as not to scratch the floors. This was a goal,
it was an antique church pew on, of all places,
manifested in utility with a touch of bevel.
a burn pile! My feet couldn’t get my hands to
*A new coat of whitewash didn’t go on well. It stubbornly
the pile quickly enough. My mind was racing as fast as
held its rough-hewn nature (like a lot of us humans!). The
my feet with thoughts of where it could have come from.
rough spots had just become part of its charm.
Now, I pined where it ended up! In another day or two,
*It wouldn’t be here if somebody hadn’t tried. Somebody
the heap would be scorched to ashes. Scattered bench
learned a new skill, dared to be vulnerable, dared to aim
pieces lay partially hidden, threaded into the discarded
toward completion rather than perfection, dared to dance
shrub limbs of a neighbor’s trimmings. Wouldn’t I be its
with an unfamiliar process and let the process lead.
hero by rescuing it from the flames? I dove in, shoving brush away as though the bench were calling my name,
*Some folks didn’t appreciate its purpose. That’s how the bench ended up on the burn pile. Transition often comes
begging for life. With the components a safe distance from the burn pile, and all accounted for, my assessment began. It was the perfect shape, height, and width for what I wanted. The back was wiggly, but the sides were stout and stable. It warmed my heart to think I had rescued someone’s memories. Maybe it had heard harmonies of choirs, or the shaky voice of a child’s solo on a High Holy Day, or the convicting preaching of a winsome pastor sharing the Scriptures in an engaging oration. Later, I learned its origins: It was not a church pew, after all. It had never been warmed by
in the form of trouble. When trouble comes, just wait a
sunlight through stained glass or proudly held a hymnal.
little longer. The plot might thicken. The tale might have
Students made it in a shop class. It was somebody’s final
a twist!
project, sporting the rudimentary basics of furniture
*Some folks did. That’s how the bench ended up on a
making: cutting the shapes, beveling the edges, leveling
new porch, in a new location, with a new coat of paint,
the legs, fastening the pieces together, staining a light
teaching a new student the same time-honored lessons.
coat. True to its purpose, it kept on teaching: finished. That made it perfect. This was no Chippendale with rococo details. There weren’t even felt “feeties” on
40 // February 2022
About The Author
*It wasn’t meant to be perfect. It was meant to be Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website www.sandragilmore.org.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Blissful Banana Bread
F
by Jodi Varnado
ebruary is one of my very favorite months of the year, as it holds twenty-eight dedicated opportunities to express gratitude and joy for the
Ingredients
ones I love most. Valentine’s Day is often associated
• 1 ¾ cup of unbleached all-purpose flour
with the celebration of significant others, but it is truly
• 2/3 cup of coconut sugar
a day to rejoice in every relationship God has blessed
• 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
us with (including our most treasured relationship with Him). I have grown to cherish baking as a practice
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
of showing others I value them—a rather sweet love
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
language! This Valentine’s Day, I encourage you to gift
• 2 very ripe bananas (spotty brown bananas are best!)
a homemade treat to those you adore. As you prepare your ingredients, take time to be in communion with our
• ½ cup of oat milk (or other non-dairy milk)
Creator. Express your thankfulness for their presence in
• 1/3 cup of vegan butter
your life and pray that this treat will nourish their spirit.
• 2 tablespoons of egg replacer (I love Bob’s Red Mill’s Egg Replacer)
There is nothing more comforting than a warm slice of banana bread on a cold afternoon. This banana bread is simple to prepare, with only eleven ingredients and one mixing bowl. This recipe is vegan friendly and can be easily modified to fit gluten-free dietary requirements (replace flour with gluten-free baking flour). I recommend serving this banana bread with a spread of vegan butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, or topped with a dollop of banana nice cream (a dairy-free alternative to ice cream).
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract • 1 cup of vegan chocolate chips (optional, for topping)
Instructions
• Prepare your egg replacer. In a large mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of egg replacer and 4 tablespoons of cold water. Mix together until there is a smooth consistency, then set the bowl aside for 5 minutes.Add vanilla extract. • Add wet ingredients. In the same mixing bowl, mash bananas until you have a thick, but smooth consistency. Add oat milk and vegan butter. Mix ingredients completely. • Add dry ingredients. Slowly add in flour, coconut sugar cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda. • Prepare your oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and pour in the batter. Cover the batter with chocolate chips (optional). • Bake. Place the loaf pan on the center rack and bake for 70 minutes. • Eat. Let the bread cool for 15 minutes and then enjoy!
42 // February 2022
If you try this recipe, please snap a photo and share it with us on Facebook: @GoodNewsChristianMagazine.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Coming Home
S
by Leslie Bennett
now had fallen overnight and left a beautiful, white
called for us. We were having a great time, not realizing
blanket over the neighborhood. Snow day! What all
the danger that could lie ahead. I now have a clearer
children love to hear. Mom fixed a hot breakfast to
understanding of God’s love and concern for His children.
give us the fuel we needed for the fun day ahead of us. We
When we selfishly live our life, doing what we want
anxiously dressed in our warmest attire, put on our boots
to do, with no regard for God, oblivious of His call,
and coats, and headed outside.
I’m sure He feels like our parents felt that day. We may
We made many trips back up the hill after riding our sleds down the slippery slope at the end of the street. I can
wander far away from God, but He never stops calling for us to return to Him.
almost feel my frozen nose, numb fingers and toes, and weak legs as my thoughts take me back to that cold, winter day. After several hours of fun and laughter, we went inside to warm up. I stood over the old floor furnace, sipping hot cocoa, until the feeling returned to my fingers and toes. We ate grilled cheese sandwiches, dill pickles, and chips for lunch. I’m not sure if lunch was extra delicious or if I was really, really hungry, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a better grilled cheese sandwich in my entire life. After resting up for an hour or so, I looked out the window and saw my cousin, Michael, who lived next door. I asked if I could go back outside and mom let me go. Michael and I built a small snowman in the yard, threw a
Michael and I began to get cold, tired, and hungry so we
few snowballs, and made snow angels. We walked up the
decided to head home. Thankfully, our story has a happy
street, making footprints in the snow.
ending. Our parents were thrilled to see us coming down
Being adventurous children, we decided to walk up the hill at the end of the neighborhood and see what we could see from there. We failed to tell anyone where we were
the road. We were greeted with warm hugs and big smiles. What a reunion we had on Forrest Avenue! I remember the words to an old song, “I’ve wandered
going. Having no concept of time, we continued to walk
far away from God. Lord, I’m coming home. The paths of
and explore a place we had never been before. Little did we
sin too long I’ve trod. Now, I’m coming home.” If you find
know, our parents were searching everywhere for us. We
yourself far from God, it’s never too late to return to His
were too far away to hear their frantic calls for us, nor had
warm embrace. You will find Him waiting there for you,
Michael and I heard the story of the old well that was on the
arms open wide.
Looking back, I can only imagine how our parents felt that snowy day when Michael and I didn’t return when they
44 // February 2022
About The Author
other side of that hill somewhere. Leslie Bennett is a kindergarten assistant at Michigan Avenue School. She is a member of First Baptist Church and sings in the adult choir. She manages a blog at ohyesshedid.org.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Don’t Lose Heart in Ministry and Life
2
by Jonathon Wright
Corinthians 4:7-9 “But we have this treasure in
However, God was not through. Shortly after this,
earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may
there was news that Crispus, the synagogue ruler, accepted
be of God and not of us. We are hard-pressed on
Christ. God touched the heart of this ruler, and many others
every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in
believed in the Lord. God is the only one who can change
despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not
such hard hearts as these Jews in Corinth. No wonder Paul
destroyed” (NKJV, See also Acts 18:1-17 for background).
needed to encourage them to keep sharing the Gospel and
Paul is quite the motivational speaker in this chapter.
not lose heart. When Paul came to Corinth, he needed a lot
In 1 Corinthians 4:1, 16, he encourages them not
of encouragement. We learn from 1 Corinthians 2:3 that
to lose heart and ends the chapter with this same
he came to them with much fear and trembling.
appeal. 2 Corinthians 4:7-9 is right in the
Also, in Acts 18:9-17, the Lord spoke and
middle of this chapter. It describes some
encouraged him in a dream not to fear
of the struggles that Paul endured in
because no one would harm him. Many
life for the sake of the Gospel. Life and
Jews hated Paul and eventually brought
ministry can, at times, be hard, and we
him before the judgment seat. They wanted
all need encouragement not to lose heart.
to appeal to have Paul executed, but the
As you read these words, notice
judge would not sentence Paul to death
Paul’s use of the word we in verses 7
and told them to handle these things
and 8. Paul, a mighty man of faith,
among themselves. Paul did not even
identified with the ordinary man. He
have to make a defense. God fulfilled
was a person like you and me. It is
the promise of that dream. Later, God
easy to think that Paul was always
showed up again because the opening
bold and full of faith, but his ministry
address of 1 Corinthians 1:1 talks
in Corinth tells us otherwise.
about how the Sosthenes, the leading
Paul spent a year and a half in
prosecutor, was their brother or part
ministry at Corinth. His ministry had ups
of the family of God.
and downs. It started when Paul testified
Many times, God will come
in the synagogue that Jesus was the Christ. “But
through for us in the hard times. He
when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook his
does this in hopes that we will share our
garments and said to them, ‘Your blood be upon your own
testimony to encourage others. The things the Lord did in
heads; I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles’”
Paul’s life would later become treasured memories of God’s
(Acts 18:6, NKJV).
power which empowered his ministry. This is the reason he
Paul departed from the synagogue, possibly scared for
could keep a realistic but optimistic attitude in hard times.
his life. He came to the house of Titus Justus, a God-fearing
We need to do the same because God can turn things around
Gentile, who befriended and took him. Thus began the
and show His power in our weakness.
title. No other church Paul established was referred to by this name.
46 // February 2022
About The Author
Church of God in Corinth. See 1 Corinthians 1:2 for this Jonathon Wright currently lives in Cleveland, Tennessee, and has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical Studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. He is currently beginning the process of writing a book on Genesis entitled, God’s Good Prophetic Plan: From Beginning to End.
INC.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
“Karina”
W
by Wayne Williams
hat do you think of when you hear the word
(Hamilton); “The Dating Manifesto: A Drama-Free Plan
“karina?” (pronounced kah-reen-nah; like
for Pursuing Marriage with Purpose,” (Anderson); and
Katrina, without the “t”). The word, which in
of course, the classic, “The Five Love Languages” (Gary
some family circles has now become a name, has a quite
Chapman)! Poems? Well, that’s another category of titles
interesting etymological origin. According to the Unify
that time nor space will permit me to elaborate.
Cosmos website, the spiritual meaning of the name Karina
In conclusion, the Bible exhorts us in Philippians
is of Old English origin. Karina means “pure,” “the pure
4:8, “Finally, believers, whatever is true, whatever is
one,” “innocent,” and “beloved.” Additionally, the word
honorable and worthy of respect, whatever is right
(name) can be short for Katarina or Katrina. Likewise, it
and confirmed by God’s word, whatever is pure and
is a variant of the name Carina, which is derived from the
wholesome, whatever is lovely and brings peace,
Latin word “carus,” meaning “love.” The expression of “love” is as old as time itself, especially when we read that “God is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). Because God precedes and certainly will exceed the concept of time, the idea of love predates and will outlast anything this world has to offer. And by our love for one another, the world will know that we are born again of God’s spirit and associated unequivocally with His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, the epitome of love. Many of you recall the contemporary version of the song, “They’ll Know We Are Christians by Our Love,” popularized by the musical group Jars of Clay. Karina, a variant of the Latin “carus,” has been romanticized in a number of ways through movies,
whatever is admirable and of good repute; if there is any
books, and certainly music. There are some who may
excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think
remember the song “Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing”
continually on these things [center your mind on them,
which was an Academy Award winner for Best Original
and implant them in your heart]” (Amplified).
Score in 1955. The movie titles are endless, “What’s Love
Friend, our love for each other is only surpassed
Got to do With It,” (also a song title), “From Russia with
by God’s love for each and all of us. That being said,
Love,” (a James Bond series favorite), “Love at First Bite,”
“Let brotherly love continue” (Hebrews 13:1). Or in the
(for comedy/horror ‘lovers’), “Love and Basketball,”
Contemporary English Bible, “Keep loving each other like
(if you are a sports enthusiast), as well as “A Thin Line
family.” So, “think” about that the next time you say or
Between Love and Hate” (which, in my opinion, is
hear, “Karina!”
which do not contain the word “love” in their titles. Namely, “Hidden Struggles: Purity, God, Guys and Life,”
48 // February 2022
About The Author
really not a thin line at all)! Likewise, books, many of Wayne & Lita Williams are residents of Athens, Tennessee. She is a retiring social worker. He presently serves as a local supply pastor. Together, they have been in pastoral and outreach ministry for over 40 years.
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Gò0dNews Poetry
God’s Light by Judy Hood
My life hasn’t always been a bed of roses But, one of the grandest things I know is God has always been standing right by my side He’s with us even when we are unaware He is there to guide Life can be too hard, too hard to handle But, if we’ll just trust Jesus, our troubles He will dismantle We all carry our crosses, our burdens to bear If we’ll just love one another, our burdens to share It would be a better world, our hearts would be lighter The sun would appear, the sun would shine brighter So, hug your brother, take each other’s hand Enjoy this life you’ve been given, as you walk through this land We only have one life to live, one life to get this right So, let’s take care of one another, as we walk into God’s light 50 // February 2022
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